What are the requirements of ACS accreditation? Philosophical requirements: Evidence of a clear understanding of the nature and purpose of a classical education and an incorporation of that understanding in the school’s operating documents and public statements Academic requirements: A clearly articulated statement of the school’s academic goals at every level and a clear process of ensuring the achieving those goals Curricular requirements: Full or partial implementation of the Latin-centered Classical Core Program Methodological requirements: Demonstration of an understanding of the importance of traditional, teacher-directed instruction in the classroom and a process by which those methodologies are communicated to school staff Assessment requirements: Demonstration of the value-added benefit of the school’s academic program through standardized test scores and compliance with ACS’s regular process of reporting test scores Doctrinal requirements: A doctrinal statement consisting of the Nicene Creed or a statement of belief consistent with the Nicene Creed.[1] Other Information Required from Schools: A copy of current school bylaws (for existing schools only) List of staff and faculty which includes grades and subjects taught and level of education List of books and resources used in current curriculum A statement of faith consisting of or consistent with the Nicene Creed and verification…

7 Gift Ideas for a Classical Educator

Recently, someone told me about the “4 Christmas Gift Challenge.” The idea is to buy only four presents per person in your family: something to they want, something they need, something to wear, and something to read. Regardless of whether you limit your gift-giving to four presents, the categories themselves provide a handy method for deciding what to get that classical educator in your life–or to help others decide what to buy for you.

In this post, I will give seven gift ideas for “something to read” for a classical educator.

How to Read a Book by Mortimer Adler

Classical educators usually have a long and formidable reading list. To get the most out of their reading, it is vitally important to have a tried and true method. How to Read a Book contains clear and useful instructions on how to systematically go about reading for deep, comprehensive understanding. As the author says, “Our subject . . . is the art of reading good books when understanding is the aim you have in view.”

From Achilles to Christ by Louis Markos

How should a Christian educator approach the great literary and dramatic works of the Greeks and Romans? In his book, Louis Markos, a distinguished professor of English and a respected C. S. Lewis scholar, tackles this question with verve, wit, and wisdom.

Arts Cards

For classical educators who want to brush up on their fine arts knowledge (or get their first introduction), these “5 X 7” cards display beautiful pieces of art from the most influential artistic movements in history, including the Renaissance, Romanticism, Impressionism.

Geography III

Having a working knowledge of geography is vastly underestimated in our culture, but for anyone wanting to get a solid handle on history and current world events, it is an essential skill. The Geography III text and study guide not only helps readers identify the countries, major landforms, and topography of the world, but trains them to freehand-draw each continent using the Robinson Map Project.

Climbing Parnassus by Tracy Lee Simmons

The term “classical education” means different things to different people. For a clear, informed understanding of this idea, classical educators should look first to this book by Tracy Lee Simmons.

The Story of Christianity by David Bentley Hart

Classical education aims to pass on to students the wisdom and virtue of the Christian West. To understand this culture of sapientia et virtus, classical educators need to know its history. In this book, David Bentley Hart, a widely revered Christian scholar, gives a scholarly but readable portrait of the Christian Church from its origins in Judaism to the “house churches” in contemporary China.

The Schools We Need and Why We Don’t Have Them by E. D. Hirsch

Classical Christian educators need to understand what makes modern progressive education different from traditional education. They need to know where the chaos we see in our schools today came from, and they need to know how to sweep it out. To address the disease of progressivism, E. D. Hirsch, a first-rate scholar and the author of Cultural Literacy, provides the diagnosis and cure in The Schools We Need and Why We Don’t Have Them.

As a bonus gift idea, consider giving the classical educator in your life “something to experience.” Hosted by The Classical Latin School Association, Memoria Press, and Highlands Latin School, the 2016 Teacher Training Conference is a great opportunity for professional development. Plenary sessions will be led by Martin Cothran, Louis Markos, and Andrew Pudewa. The two days will also be jam-packed with workshops detailing curriculum, pedagogy, and classroom discipline. Breakfast and lunch will be provided on Thursday and Friday.

Brett Vaden is assistant director of the Schools Division of Memoria Press.

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